Description
Rick Wakeman – Live In Hammersmith – Vinyl Record
Recorded Live at the Hammersmith Odeon on 9th May 1985
By the early 1980s, Rick Wakeman had already lived several musical lives. He had helped define progressive rock with Yes, released a string of ambitious solo concept albums, survived changing musical fashions, and earned a reputation as one of rock’s great showmen. Live in Hammersmith, recorded at London’s famed Hammersmith Odeon, captures him in an environment where all of those experiences come together. Rather than trying to recreate the elaborate theatrical productions of his 1970s tours, Wakeman focuses on what has always mattered most: exceptional musicianship and an obvious love of performing.
One of the first things you notice is how relaxed the performance feels. Wakeman has never lacked technical ability, but here he plays with the confidence of someone who no longer needs to prove it. His dazzling runs across banks of keyboards are still there, but they’re woven naturally into the music instead of being treated as isolated displays of virtuosity. Every flourish serves the composition, whether he’s interpreting material from his solo catalog or revisiting themes that longtime fans know by heart.
The concert also reminds you that Wakeman has always been a far more versatile player than his reputation as a progressive rock keyboard wizard might suggest. His classical training is evident in the elegance of his phrasing, but there are also touches of jazz, blues, church music, and straightforward rock and roll throughout the evening. He moves effortlessly between grand pipe-organ sonorities, delicate piano passages, vintage analog synthesizers, and bright digital textures, making an entire orchestra seem to emerge from a single performer.
Just as important is the band surrounding him. Progressive rock often gets stereotyped as music built around individual virtuosos, but Live in Hammersmith succeeds because the ensemble listens as well as it plays. The rhythm section provides a solid, flexible foundation, allowing Wakeman to stretch harmonically without ever losing the groove. Guitar and vocals step forward when needed, then recede gracefully, creating a performance that feels collaborative rather than hierarchical.
The setlist balances familiarity with variety. Longtime listeners are rewarded with interpretations of classic material that retain their original grandeur while benefiting from years of performance experience. Instead of treating the compositions as museum pieces, Wakeman allows them to breathe. Tempos shift slightly, solos evolve, and familiar melodies occasionally take unexpected turns, reminding you that these works remain living music rather than historical artifacts.
The recording itself strikes a satisfying balance between clarity and atmosphere. You hear the detail in Wakeman’s keyboard work, but you also hear the audience responding with genuine enthusiasm. Their presence matters. Progressive rock can sometimes seem intimidatingly complex on record, yet these live performances reveal how immediate and joyful the music becomes when shared in a concert hall.
What emerges over the course of the album is a portrait of an artist who understands entertainment as well as musicianship. Wakeman has always possessed a dry sense of humor and an ability to connect with audiences, and even without seeing the stage show, you can sense that generosity in the performance. The music may be technically demanding, but it never feels academic. There’s an unmistakable sense that everyone involved is enjoying themselves.
For listeners discovering Wakeman beyond his work with Yes, Live in Hammersmith makes a persuasive introduction because it highlights both sides of his artistic personality. It showcases the ambitious composer capable of writing sweeping instrumental works, while also revealing the instinctive performer who knows that the best live concerts depend as much on energy and communication as on technical excellence.
More than anything, the album celebrates longevity. It isn’t the sound of an artist trying to relive past glories or compete with younger musicians. It’s the sound of someone who has embraced every chapter of his career and learned how to bring those experiences onto the stage with confidence, humor, and remarkable skill. Live in Hammersmith stands as a reminder that Rick Wakeman’s greatest instrument has never been any particular keyboard—it has always been his imagination.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Arthur
Three Wives
Journey
Merlin
